Costco Recalls Synergy Restaurant Gift Cards After Program Ends, Offers Refunds
Updated (2 articles)
Recall Initiated After Abrupt Program Termination Costco announced a recall of Synergy Restaurant Gift Cards following the sudden shutdown of the program by third‑party manager Synergy World Inc., affecting cardholders nationwide [1][2].
Program Ran Nineteen Years Before Bankruptcy Filing Synergy World’s website noted the gift‑card network operated for 19 years, but the company has entered Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection, prompting the cessation of services [1][2].
Recall Limited to Cards Purchased Oct 27 2025‑Jan 31 2026 Costco’s member letter specifies that only cards bought at Costco during this window are eligible for return and possible refund; customers can verify balances on the Synergy website [1][2].
Cards Accepted at Multiple Local Restaurants The multi‑merchant cards were usable at venues such as Dillon’s KC BBQ, Eggworks, Las Vegas Family Restaurants, Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza, and Sombrero Mexican Food, among others listed on the program site [1][2].
Costco Offers Refunds Despite No‑Refund Policy Although Costco typically does not refund gift cards, it is asking affected members to bring the cards to a warehouse for a possible refund, though it has not confirmed whether the full value will be returned [1][2].
Sources
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1.
WBNS: Costco Recalls Synergy Restaurant Gift Cards After Program Ends: Details the recall trigger, 19‑year program history, Chapter 7 filing, purchase window, and Costco’s atypical refund offer .
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2.
King5: Costco Recalls Synergy Restaurant Gift Cards After Program Ends: Mirrors WBNS coverage, emphasizing the multi‑merchant nature, bankruptcy context, and Costco’s return policy for affected cards .
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Timeline
2007 (approx.) – Synergy World launches the Synergy Restaurant Gift Card program, a multi‑merchant card accepted at local eateries and beginning a 19‑year run that introduces patrons to hundreds of restaurants [1][2].
Oct 27, 2025 – Costco starts selling Synergy Restaurant Gift Cards to members, opening the sales window that later becomes subject to a recall [1][2].
Jan 31, 2026 – Costco completes the final sale of Synergy cards, closing the purchase period that the recall will cover [1][2].
Early 2026 – Synergy World files for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection, triggering the abrupt termination of the gift‑card network after nearly two decades [1][2].
Early 2026 – Synergy World posts on its website, “It is with a heavy heart… we fully recognize and sincerely regret the impact this decision has had on our cardholders and the many local restaurants,” expressing regret over the shutdown [1][2].
Feb 19, 2026 – Costco issues a recall notice to members, directing holders of cards bought between Oct 27 2025 and Jan 31 2026 to return them for a possible refund, despite its usual no‑refund policy on gift cards [1][2].
Feb 19, 2026 – Costco states it will accept returned cards at warehouses and lets customers check balances on the Synergy website, though it does not confirm full reimbursement of card values [1][2].
External resources (5 links)
- https://synergygiftcard.com/ (cited 6 times)
- https://cdn.bfldr.com/U447IH35/as/7mjpg8tvns5gfcgx5t3r5927/FinalMemberLetterSynergyGiftCards (cited 2 times)
- https://customerservice.costco.com/app/answers/answer_view/a_id/1191/loc/en_US (cited 2 times)
- https://synergyworld.com/synergy-gift-cards-costco-program/ (cited 2 times)